Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

T ry something different with contemporary holiday decorating that focuses on unique, sleek, and chic designs. Using this contemporary conceit, floral no longer means fussy. And holiday sparkle can be sleek and stylish. Choose decorations made of modern materials, including metal, in unique designs, such as swirls. Spice up a modern home with these elements that give the feel of the holidays, but still match the look and feel of your home. If your taste is more traditional, the Southern antebellum style of decorating may be just what your home needs. Focusing on flowers, garlands, and candles, the old Southern style is a favorite along the Gulf Coast. Mobile’s Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is one example of a spectacular antebellum home, and its transformation during the holidays is stunning. Florists from around Mobile come together to create the perfect antebellum Christmas setting. To achieve a similar look, combine magnolias with garland to create festoons to go over doorways or wrap around columns or stair rails. Also, include candles in centerpieces to add warmth and color. But don’t get carried away. With all the decor to choose from, sometimes your decked walls can look more like a Christmas amusement park than the stylish holiday look you were going for. To be sure you achieve the right look, focus on keeping things simple. Over the years, most households have compiled an amalgamation of ornaments that may not always seem to fit, but don’t toss out those older ornaments just yet; by selecting a color scheme, you can still use a wide variety. Red and green are the perfect color options for Christmas, but you might want to try something new. This year, the decorator’s market in Atlanta featured décor in hues of red and copper or bronze. Another recent color scheme includes hot pinks and bright greens. This puts a new spin on the traditional red and green. Golds, silvers, and whites are always favorite holiday colors. Jana Porter decorates with Mary at Posh. The two work as a team to create stunning settings during the holidays and yearround. Jana stresses that decorating for Christmas must remain simple. “Pick a theme, pick a scheme, and stick with it. Your decorating should not be all over the map,” Jana says. No matter what style you choose, decorating for Christmas is an experience in itself. Not only are you making your home a welcoming, charming place, but you can enjoy the company of friends and family while getting in the holiday spirit. Go up to the attic and bring down the boxes, and try a brand new approach on a favorite tradition. As Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole croon in the background and the scent of spiced apple cider, pine, and gingerbread cookies fill the air, make your home for the holidays a comfortable and stylish escape that your friends and family will be talking about for many Christmases to come. 28 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2007 Holiday Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Words & Notes Coastal Calendar Storefronts Sweet Dreams Art of Living Fixtures Our Backyard Make Yourself at Home Beach Bam! A Big Easy Christmas Upwardly Mobile Can't Drive Old Dixie Down Rock On! The Play's the Thing Cheers Dish Chef's Table Let's Eat Reader Services Last Bite

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